ABC is a non-profit construction trade association that fosters the principles of freedom of choice through the merit construction philosophy. That’s our mission, and it’s one that we work hard to achieve through the projects of the member construction firms across Michigan. Merit contractors and ABC are dedicated to providing Michigan with high-quality, low-cost, safe, on-time construction. ABC members build commercial buildings, industrial plants, municipal and public works projects, roads and highways, homes, and provide a wide array of construction services. Through innovative programs, ABC and its member contractors are:

2021West Michigan Best and Brightest Companies to Work For 

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® competition identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in their human resource practices and employee enrichment. Organizations are assessed based on categories such as communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, retention and more. All participating companies receive a complimentary assessment report and benefits throughout the year. Winning companies are invited to celebrate in one of our many event regions. We are honored to have this award.

In the construction industry, no resource is greater than our employees, and ABC members take pride in sending their workers home safe every night.  Safety is everyone’s priority, and improving jobsite safety is a continuous process that ABC member companies participate in every day. ABC created the Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) to not only recognize ABC member companies who consistently excel in the field of safety, but more importantly to provide an evaluation tool to help identify areas in which contractors can work to reach the ultimate goals”sending every worker home safe to their families every day. Ritsema Associates has received the Platinum STEP level, the highest level to achieve. With this achievement our company has a proven track record of safety that around 2% of all ABC members have accomplished. It also means that Ritsema Associates has OSHA recordable incident rates well below the national average.

2007 & 2008 ABC Construction Safety Award of Excellence. The Judges were in unanimous agreement that our submission was the “best of the best” not only in content, but also in presentation. We celebrated 1,836,080 man hours, 1,597 man days which adds up to a little over four (4) years with no lost time accidents!

2008 Award of Excellence winner

From a Greek revival home to its new location in the heart of downtown, the Grand Rapids Art Museum sets a high standard. The talented tradesmen from Ritsema have created yet another masterpiece. The ceilings in the grand entryway, theater and the three inverse pyramids, which are visible from the outside, are finished with BASWAphon which provides a seamless, smooth, sound absorbing surface that is as beautiful as it is functional.

Another testament to aesthetic design is the one inch ceiling reveal. The unique one foot reveal throughout hides recessed lighting, heating and window shade pockets. The combination of recessed bulkheads and lighting along with an abundance of natural light leave the impression not only of a floating ceiling but of a warm, inviting atmosphere.

An amazing feature in this “state-of-the-art” building is the two seemingly floating stairways. This provided a drywall and framing challenge which Ritsema met and exceeded. The finished product is a work of art which will only serve to enhance the art showcased on its walls. This stunning architecture is as awe inspiring as the art that it houses and it is this exceptional workmanship that has earned Ritsema Associates the Award of Excellence.

Ritsema consistently pursues a close relationship with the communities in which we are involved. We accomplish this through individual employee involvement in local churches, charities, and schools to our corporate involvement with local non-profit charities, service clubs, and trade association. We encourage and empower employees to share time, treasure, and talent. It is important to us to contribute back to our communities in as many ways as possible.

Ritsema assisted Partners in Compassionate Care, a group of ordinary people committed to bring solutions in a war-torn land, by sending two skilled employees to complete the interior construction of a small hospital in southern Sudan. In 2006, Partners in Compassionate Care began construction of the hospital in an empty grass field alongside a dirt road. God provided them with many volunteers and gracious donors which allowed them to complete Phase I in three short building seasons. Spring 2009, the Memorial Christian Hospital Phase I was dedicated to the people in Southern Sudan.

Ritsema has been involved with Rotary International for at least 20 years. Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. As signified by the motto Service Above Self, Rotary’s main objective is service in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.

The Ritsema employee family has been a contributor to the United Way Campaign  for close to 25 years. United Way is a worldwide network in 45 countries and territories, including nearly 1,300 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all, by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. The United Way movement creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that prevent progress in these areas. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change.